If following a care needs assessment, it's decided you need support, you will receive a Personal Budget. You can choose to receive your Personal Budget as a Direct Payment instead of care or support being arranged by the council.
Benefits of choosing a Direct Payment
Direct Payments could offer you more choice, control, and flexibility in the way your support is provided and managed.
Direct Payments could provide the following benefits:
- you can choose to be an employer, you decide who you employ
- you will be able to direct your employees, telling them how and when you want your care delivered
- you can also choose to arrange to pay for support and services from a variety of organisations
Get a Direct Payment
Before you can get a Direct Payment, the first step is an assessment of your care needs.
Get support with your Direct Payment
If you would like support with your Direct Payment there are services available who can help. The Direct Payments team can put you in touch and they will offer unbiased information, guidance, signposting and if required practical support with a Direct Payment including:
- payroll services
- explaining how Direct Payments work and your responsibilities as an employer
- DBS checks
- recruitment processes
- support to access services provided by other organisations
- managing your Direct Payment
Get in touch
If you're interested in getting a Direct Payment or finding out more, make contact using the Adult Social Care Portal Referral Form or email Directpaymentadvisors@bathnes.gov.uk.
Last updated: 25 February 2026